Friday, October 30, 2009

Skinny pens – my new pet peeve

I have a renewed appreciation for Good Grip products. I’ve always known how handy they can be when my arthritic hands are throbbing and in pain, but now I’m thinking I should stick to the friendly-handled gadgets for good. I recently grabbed a smooth, super skinny, slippery pen out of my desk drawer and was shocked to find that my hands ached when I tried to write with it. It was practically useless! I’m not in a flare, and I haven’t had any symptom activity for months…but that pen was just too skinny. It took me right back to the days when wincing in pain while doing the simplest of hand motions was a regular occurrence. I don’t need any reminder of that, so you can imagine where that slip of a pen is now. Hasta la vista, senor stylo!

Looking for some good products to help you get some leverage, avoid slippage, or ease your grip? Check some of these handy tools from Boston Warehouse (a recommendation from a reader) or OXO.

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Sara Gorman

In 2001, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus, at the age of 26. I had been married less than 6 weeks and was at a highpoint in my career in television production. While I fought to keep hold of the life I'd known - demanding, yet fulfilling career, busy social life, packed vacation schedule - after four years of running my body into the ground, I realized I was fighting life, not living it. Thus, I downshifted almost every aspect of my life. I let go of my career and made it my number one priority to get myself back in good health. I'm proud to say that I've reached my goal, but work each day to maintain that healthy lifestyle. despite lupus. My book details the steps it took to reach that goal. A native of Indiana and graduate of the University of Notre Dame, I reside in Alexandria, Virginia with my husband, two young daughters, and pug dog.